Is it okay for a guy to be a dental assistant?

Would you feel awkward with a male dental assistant?

Is it okay for a guy to be a dental assistant?
I'm all for it, I use to work with one at the hospital clinic, he trained in the Navy, he was wonderful. I don't understand why more guys don't do it. The DDS would love it ,no maternity leave, no PMS, we always said there was too much estrogen in the office.
Reply:No not at all!
Reply:Never! I wish we HAD more male dental assistants here in the US.
Reply:nah, my oral surgeon had a male assistant.
Reply:Darling, you can be anything you want to be in this world. I think it's a great idea. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:good lord yes,a male dental assistant would be great.
Reply:not a thing wrong with it if that is what you want to do go for it and enjoy your career
Reply:Women go to male gynocologists.
Reply:I think I'd prefer it. I always feel kind of weird having some chick shoving her fingers in my mouth. My brother always talks to me about how hot the dental hygenists and assistants are and how he had a great time because he was just looking up at someone's boobs the whole time. I'd prefer not to look up at someone's boobs the whole time.





That, and I have a feeling that a guy would be less likely to make stupid small talk about the weather and whatever song is on the radio. I don't feel like talking about hurricanes and music genres when I'm trying not to choke on toothpaste.
Reply:I think it will be ok. It's just a sexist thing. Nowhere in legal papers does it say male doctors/female doctors or male nurses/female nurses. Goo for it, if it makes you happy.
Reply:i have a male dentist and he's awesome.
Reply:There is nothing wrong with a male dental assistant. I'm a nurse and have worked with many males as nurses and assistants. It's just great that you are wanting to do something rewarding with a good future.
Reply:It has been regarded as strictly a female position for years although recently there have been a few males venture into this area. If you think the pay scale is something acceptable then I see no reason why you shouldn't proceed with training or college. You may be faced with hardship in finding a position though, as this is considered more of a compassionate caregiver role which the "female gender" seems more suitable. Good luck!





Additional information: Emmalue is correct to some extent, a male assistant is not as accepted into this area of dentistry as well as women are. I think the main reason is not the lack of skill as it is in knowing that the salary end will never be substantial enough and advancement would be limited or nonexistent. I don't think anyone is intimidated or threatened by a male working in this position, more so as it is in knowing that although it may be satisfying to some degree and a man can do the job as well as a woman, it just would not be a good career choice for them based on salary and advancement thus, making it a temporary position at best. Males are seen more in the role "of a dentist" rather than an assistant. It was unheard of to see a woman in the role of the “dentist” for a very long time, although times have changed and more and more women are stepping into this career, so perhaps one day there will be more of an opportunity for males to enter this career.
Reply:OF COURSE!!!!!!


ever heard of male nurses?


its pretty much the same!


when i go to the dentist, i see alot of male assistants.


Girls can do guy things and guys can do girls things of course there is no such thing as a girl thing and guy thing.


Its great that you want to be a dental assistant. ( if it is you that wants to be a dental assistant.)
Reply:Honestly, I would not want to work with a male dental assistant. We girls joke, cut up, and talk about some really personal things, so having a guy working that close with us, would just be weird.
Reply:In all honesty, it would be an uphill climb. If you asked most dentists, they'd tell you "sure, a well-qualified male assistant would be welcome", but the reality is, there is an underlying prejudice.





A few years ago, my practice (at my urging) took on a male intern who was attending school to become an assistant. He did a great job, the other assistants liked him, patients accepted him, and he learned fast. When it came time for him to graduate, we could have hired him as a full-time assistant. Just could not talk the boss into hiring him, although no clear reason was given. I've gotten the same reaction from female dentists.





Hopefully, these gender specific jobs will someday open to everyone who is qualified. But for right now, male dental assistants will be a rarity.
Reply:ALL of my dentist's assistants are men, and they are kind, gentle, warm people. I can't wait to go to the dentist; I always have fun!
Reply:No not at all.. I have one actually ...man is he sexy..go for it.
Reply:Is it okay for a girl to be a car mechanic, of course it's okay. You can be what ever you want to be, as long as it makes you happy, and don't hurt anyone.
Reply:i think it is fine
Reply:Why would I feel awkward? As long as you were good at your job, it wouldn't bother me at all.
Reply:Yes i would... i had a weird dental assistant and i was afraid if he had some kind of disease 'cause i think he was gay...
Reply:I think thats more than ok. I would not be surprised at all to go to the dentist %26amp; find a male working with a dentist. Now that you asked the question, I will be more aware as to whether it is male or female.
Reply:No my dental practioner is a male





it doesnt make any difference now a days.
Reply:no not at all
Reply:No.





I'm a male dental hygienist, btw.
Reply:oF cOuRsE nOT!!